Acupuncture

Insight Awareness Center is now offering the servies of Acupuncturist and Herbalist Penny Will. She has chosen Insight Awareness Center as a place for her work because, in her words: “The atmosphere that has been created or which has developed as Insight is essentially all about energy, and about the Force Spirit that maintains this current. So is acupuncture. I look forward to the sharing.” Having had recent treatments by Penny, we can attest to the love and extensive knowledge with which she approaches her craft. We were also amazed at the wide range of things that can be treated through acupuncture. Take a look at some of the imbalances that Penny treats:

-Asthma
-High Blood Pressure
-Sinus Problems
-Bladder Infections
-Neurological Disorders
-Smoking
-Arthritis
-Sleep Disorders
-High Cholesterol

Penny’s approach to healing fits well into the philosophy and mission statements of Insight Awareness Center. If you are uncertain as to the appropriateness of acupuncture for your condition, please call her here at Insight. To schedule an appointment with Penny Will, please email us at info@insightawareness.com or call 708-957-1284

Herbology

An Herbal Cornucopia

Herbs can be grouped into two very general categories, ‘Tonics’ and ‘Activators’.  The tonic herbs are strengthening, supportive herbs that can be taken alone or combined to tonify the various organs or bodily functions. Ginseng would fall in this category, as would Ashwaganda, Reishi, Burdock or Astragalus. They would be chosen when you are enjoying good health just as you might take a daily vitamin/mineral supplement. For example, it might be a good idea to support your heart periodically by including larger portions of garlic in your meals, drinking ginger tea, and taking Hawthorne in a pill or tincture form. This would strengthen your vascular system at the same time, and you could add herbs high in bioflavenoids such as Elder or Nettle, and eat additional citrus, tomatoes and green peppers. Activators are herbs you would select when you want to affect a specific condition, such as taking Echinacea when you feel a cold coming on or having a cup of chamomile tea to help you sleep. Activators are more like medicine and you take them only when you need them to do something specific. I have created the following formulas to be available when you need them:

· Wei Qi’ is the Chinese term for that aspect of our Immune System that is in charge of defending us from foreign invasion, i.e., bacteria, virus. These herbs have anti- microbial properties that initiate and support our Immune System. This formula would be taken hourly for the first day of initial stages of a ‘cold’ or ‘flu’. Try adding it to your ‘hot toddy’ in a very warm bath; go to bed and sweat!

· Sinus Relief contains decongestant and anti-inflammatory herbs which relieve the nasal and sinus areas without any unpleasant side effects. Dosage would be reduced as you feel better.

· Anti-Inflammatory includes herbs which reduce inflammation in a non-specific, systemic way, and dosage would be reduced as you feel improvement. Try this in place of aspirin; it works with our body’s own anti-inflammatory processes instead of interfering with them.

· Sweet Sleep and Stress Away contain similar nervine herbs which promote relaxation, by providing balance and strength to the nervous and adrenal systems.  They can be taken as needed for occasional sleeplessness or anxiety, with no concern for drug interactions or any ‘hang-over’ effects.

· Liver Detox contains herbs which encourage liver function. You might consider this formula if you have minor digestive distress or if you want to give your liver extra support due to higher than usual levels of stress or toxins.

There are many herbs that can be safely combined and prescribed to strengthen ‘all’ hearts, ‘all’ lungs or ‘all’ nervous systems because they fall more in the Tonic category. They are just good for us, and I have selected such herbs for the following formulas:

· Healthy Heart will support your heart muscle, arteries and veins, and circulation.

· Lung Tonic will moisten and strengthen your lung tissue, increasing its ability to filter the air, and to perform its respiratory and eliminatory functions.

· Liver Balance includes herbs which support this busy organ and the numerous functions it provides.  Due to the amounts of physical and emotional pollution in our lives, both Liver Balance and Lung Tonic should be taken on a regular basis.

· Strengthen Connective Tissue contains herbs that are able to add strength and elasticity to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia of the body.

· Well-Being is a combination of powerful tonic and adaptogenic herbs that add support and balance to the whole body.

Penny Will, our herbalist, has been busily preparing a variety of formulas to help promote your wellness or treat your disorders. Plants have been doing this for us for such a long time. We invite you to stop by and see our new display. And if you don’t find what you need, let us know and she’ll try to provide it. She also invites any questions or concerns regarding herbal medicine. To schedule an appointment with Penny Will please email us at info@insightawareness.com or call 708-957-1284